At a Glance
- Tasks: Support railway safety inspections and collaborate with experienced inspectors on regulatory activities.
- Company: Join the Office of Rail and Road, the UK's independent rail regulator.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting career growth in a supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in railway safety while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We're looking for 5 HM Inspector Assistants to join our Railway Safety Directorate. These roles are based at the following office locations: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester and York. At ORR we have adopted hybrid working and are currently expected to work from a workplace location for a minimum of two days per week or 40%.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways and monitor of performance on England’s strategic road network.
Role and Location
Railway Safety Directorate ensures duty-holders in the railway industry manage health and safety risks effectively and comply with their statutory duties. We are looking to recruit five new HM Inspector Assistants, with successful candidates expected to start on 1 September 2026, with one role aligned to each of the following teams:
- Scotland Team, based in Glasgow
- Northwest & Central Team, based in Birmingham or Manchester
- Freight Team, based in Manchester or London
- Eastern Team, based in London or York
- TFL Team, based in London
Responsibilities
Working within an inspection team, you will collaborate closely with inspectors and colleagues to plan, deliver and support regulatory activity. You will contribute to a supportive and inclusive team environment, sharing knowledge, learning from experienced inspectors and working together to ensure the railway industry meets its health and safety obligations. The Inspector Assistant plays a vital role in supporting operational HM Inspector of Railways to deliver the Railway Safety’s (RS) workplan efficiently and safely.
You will contribute to both reactive and proactive regulatory activity by independently undertaking site visits, gathering evidence, taking statements, and carrying out initial enquiries into often complex and complicated incidents, including fatalities and suicides. Using your warranted powers under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), you will also be expected to assist with major incident responses and proactive inspection activities, helping to assess compliance with health and safety legislation and the effectiveness of duty holders’ risk controls.
Through a blend of formal classroom training and on the job training, you will develop your regulatory skills and technical knowledge of railway operations and risks. You will provide clear, informed advice to Inspectors, stakeholders and support ORR’s wider assessment of industry performance through effective collaboration, intelligence sharing and high-quality reporting.
Travel and Work Location
You will be in a team with Inspectors, based in one of our ORR offices as referred to above, working directly to a Principal Inspector. You will mainly work within your home region which will require travel and work away from your home.
HM Inspector Assistant employer: ORR
At the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for continuous learning through formal training and hands-on experience, our HM Inspector Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of Britain's railways while enjoying the benefits of working in vibrant cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and York.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HM Inspector Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ORR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Railway Safety Directorate and understand their role in health and safety. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on answering questions about teamwork and regulatory activities, as these are key for the HM Inspector Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ORR team and ready to dive into the railway safety world.
We think you need these skills to ace HM Inspector Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HM Inspector Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in health and safety, regulatory work, or teamwork that aligns with what we’re looking for. This shows us you understand the role and are genuinely interested!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to join our Railway Safety Directorate and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively in a team. We love seeing candidates who can contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at ORR
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an HM Inspector Assistant and the responsibilities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety at Work Act and how it applies to the railway industry. This will show your interviewers that you're serious about the position and ready to contribute.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with inspectors and colleagues, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your ability to support and learn from others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex incidents. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to health and safety compliance or incident responses. Practising your thought process on how you'd gather evidence or take statements can give you an edge during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or specific challenges the Railway Safety Directorate is currently facing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
